Students confront the challenge of improving global agricultural production in order to feed increasingly larger populations. Students evaluate tables, maps, graphs, photos and satellite images detailing global population growth patterns and...(View More) agricultural production levels in order to formulate recommendations. The role of technology is examined throughout. This investigation includes two activities: 1. Students form six teams representing major world regions to consider the need for increasing agricultural production; 2. Students conduct a case study of Mozambique and conclude by distributing and defending monetary investments for possible agricultural production increases. The URL opens to the investigation directory, with links to teacher and student materials, lesson extensions, resources, teaching tips, and assessment strategies. This is Investigation 3 of three found in the Grades 9-12 Module 2 of Mission Geography. The Mission Geography curriculum integrates data and images from NASA missions with the National Geography Standards. Each of the three investigations in Module 2, while related, can be done independently.(View Less)

Subsistence agriculture is introduced and described through text, satellite images, space shuttle photos, ground photos and maps. After reviewing all resources, student teams debate whether intensive subsistence agriculture (e.g., rice production)...(View More) will continue to play a significant role in feeding populations in developing countries. The URL opens to the investigation directory, with links to teacher and student materials, lesson extensions, resources, teaching tips, and assessment strategies. This is Investigation 1 of three found in the Grades 9-12 Module 2 of Mission Geography. The Mission Geography curriculum integrates data and images from NASA missions with the National Geography Standards. Each of the three investigations in Module 2, while related, can be done independently.(View Less)

The sustainability of the Nile as a water resource is investigated using maps, photos, data, graphs and a role-playing activity. Student groups will represent each of the 10 countries in the Nile River Basin. Data cards are provided for students to...(View More) gather information on each country, including current and projected population, water status, water management issues and water resource goals. That information is shared, discussed and evaluated at a simulated meeting of the countries. The URL opens to the investigation directory, with links to teacher and student materials, lesson extensions, resources, teaching tips, and assessment strategies. This is Investigation 3 of four found in the Grades 9-12 Module 1 of Mission Geography. The Mission Geography curriculum integrates data and images from NASA missions with the National Geography Standards. Each of the four investigations in Module 1, while related, can be done independently.(View Less)

This activity is about the Mars Pathfinder spacecraft. Using cardboard and other materials, learners will create a two dimensional model of the spacecraft. A diagram with approximate measures of each component is provided.

The use or abuse of the Chesapeake Bay is examined and discussed in the form of a student role-playing activity. Each student gathers relevant background information and formulates questions from briefing cards included in the investigation. Ten...(View More) students assume character roles: each is provided with biographical information, a list of answers to potential questions and a list of points to be made during their testimony. Each character must also prepare a supplemental visual (Landsat image, map, graph, photo, diagram). Following the role-play, the class must make a policy recommendation for improving the Chesapeake Bay. The URL opens to the investigation directory, with links to teacher and student materials, lesson extensions, resources, teaching tips, and assessment strategies. This is Investigation 1 of four found in the Grades 9-12 Module 1 of Mission Geography. The Mission Geography curriculum integrates data and images from NASA missions with the National Geography Standards. Each of the four investigations in Module 1, while related, can be done independently.(View Less)

Remote sensing, using Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) data, has lead to the discovery of previously unknown roads in the canyon area of New Mexico once occupied by the Anasazi culture. Students will use those images, along with maps...(View More) and photos, to observe the roads and surrounding area. Students will then compare the value of each media (image, map, photo) in uncovering and interpreting archeological information. Emphasis is placed on the map/image reading skills of direction and scale. The URL opens to the investigation directory, with links to teacher and student materials, lesson extensions, resources, teaching tips, and assessment strategies. This is Investigation 1 of three found in the Grades 5-8 Module 4 of Mission Geography. The Mission Geography curriculum integrates data and images from NASA missions with the National Geography Standards. Each of the three investigations in Module 4, while related, can be done independently.(View Less)

This is a lesson about the role of robots in space exploration. Learners will examine their prior notions of robots and then consider the characteristics and capabilities of a robot, like the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft, that would be sent into space...(View More) to explore another planet. Students compare robotic functions to human body functions. The lesson prepares students to design, build, diagram, and explain their own models of robots for space exploration in the Saturn system. This is activity 5 of 6 in the Saturn Educators Guide.(View Less)

In this lesson, learners will use History of Discovery cards and interpretive skits to examine how scientists throughout history have explored Saturn. The lesson enables students to discern the multicultural nature of scientific inquiry and to see...(View More) how technology improvements increase our ability to solve scientific mysteries. The lesson also prepares students to create and interpret their own timelines spanning the years 1610 to 2010. The timelines depict scientists, technologies, and discoveries. This is lesson 4 of 6 in the Saturn Educators Guide.(View Less)

This is an activity about lunar and terrestrial stratigraphy. Learners will design a development on the Moon that is suitable, feasible, and beneficial and present proposals for developments on the Moon in a competition for approval from a...(View More) student-staffed Lunar Council. This activity is in Unit 3 of the "Exploring the Moon" teachers guide, which is designed for use especially, but not exclusively, with the Lunar Sample Disk program.(View Less)